r/WouldIBeTheAhole • u/purpleplazas • 23h ago
WIBTA if I told my religious, republican family how both groups are full of pedos?
With the holidays around the corner I am once again facing the trips back to my small hometown. The family and I get along pretty well with the exception that they are super religious, and super republican. I could not be farther from either of those things.
Inevitably, someone will attempt to make a jab at me. In past years, to keep the peace, I would use facts to dispute their rhetoric, but those fall on deaf ears and I am eventually ganged up on because, one of me, many of them.
Important info: They have said outright that they vote maga because they are catholic and that is what the church tells them they should do. Jesus and trump are on the same level in their eyes.
This year, in a effort to shut it down, WIBTA if I point out the fact that "of course their church supports maga, since both are full of pedophiles and pedo protectors, and those types of people stick together?"
If someone starts something, I have no problem finishing it. But, is taking a stab at their church a step to far?
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u/DiscoGinger1711 23h ago
I know plenty of Liberal Catholics . If you can’t get through it without engaging, I would consider not going. It sounds insufferable
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u/necrotelicom 5h ago
Seconded. Stay home, relax, make a 5 minute call to wish them a happy holiday, & avoid the whole situation.
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u/Electronic_Film9301 22h ago
Talking about the child sex abuse issues in the Carholic church is only speaking truth. They should watch a movie or two about it. And you can mention the GOP "family loving" politicians who later came tumbling out. Truth is a total defense.
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u/LHJackiO 22h ago
Just stay home.
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u/Neko-Chan-Meow 7h ago
Best advice given. OP cant win in this situation. Keep quiet and they have a bad time, speak up and OP and everyone has a bad time. All they can do it remove themself from the situation, its the only power they truely have.
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u/MindBoggled_ 22h ago
YWBTA. You’re choosing to go to their house, don’t insult them in their own house because you disagree. Simply don’t go. Whether work, not feeling well, or being honest and telling them that the difference in views and feeling attacked is not something you care to deal with, pretty sure you can come up with a solution that is both plausible and decent.
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u/Fearless_Smoke4082 22h ago
Why are any of you making the holidays about politics? Yeah they suck for poking at you but likely because you make a fool of yourself trying to convince them otherwise. You seem to be aware that they’re set in their opinions and you know you are in yours. If you have to have a ‘gotcha’ in your back pocket you’ve been ruminating on months in advance, just be sick that day and don’t go. Christmas and the holidays is for family, not fighting. If no one can pull their head out of their ass and agree to disagree for one evening, you’re not family.
‘I’m not open to discussing that this year. Now’s not the time or place.’ Even, neutral, emotionless and kind but firm. If you keep feeding them a reaction they’re going to keep doing it. If you can’t handle not reacting and you know they’ll just keep on, why go?
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u/Monkeys_Funkl 19h ago
OP is liking the fights but doesn’t want to admit it. It’s like when someone goes to thanksgiving dinner to assault the family with an uncomfortable topic. Their boyfriend/ girlfriend is a different religion or is somehow not what the family wants. Being an adult means you should be comfortable enough with your choices that they can’t upset you so easily.
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u/Fearless_Smoke4082 19h ago
That’s what it sounds like. Who cares if Christmas is even enjoyable if you get to virtue signal and feel superior to the nearby boomers. If all you got to talk about to people who don’t see all year long is politics, you must be a pretty boring.
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u/Wildcandle55 19h ago
Agreed. NO politics on holidays. Family all agreed on this year's ago because we were on the verge of no family holidays.
Somebody always brings up something, yes, looking at you Dad. The rest of us try to ignore but then he really gets angry. It's hard. He is in beginning states of dementia but for God's sake don't bring THAT up!
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u/alloutofchewingum 19h ago
It's a legitimate point. And I'd push it further. If they support pedophilic politicians and organizations chock full of pedophiles well MAYBE, just MAYBE you won't be leaving your kids alone with them. Just in case.
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u/JayPlenty24 18h ago
They support a pedophilic church. I don't think this is going to be news to them.
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u/CockroachVarious2761 23h ago
Your claim could probably be made about any group, bad people exist and exist in all groups - so attacking a single political party or religion would only demonstrate your ignorance or choice to see bad stuff only in groups you disagree with.
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u/feedorc 22h ago
In some ways I agree with you, and specifically I think OP is wasting their time arguing with people who likely don’t care what’s fair or true. I think you are right that they will be argued down one way or another. Reasoned discussion just won’t matter.
But the Catholic Church went above and beyond to ensure that child abusers could keep abusing. While every large group may have offenders, not every group has made such systematic efforts and spent so many millions of dollars to ensure the abusers remain free and active. They aren’t the only group to do this. The Mormon church, some sports teams, and others come to mind. But the Catholic Church has been very powerful in the calculated perpetuation of abuse. They are uniquely culpable. Also, because they pretend to have special moral authority, they should be held to a higher standard.
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u/Danigurl001 21h ago
I’m not catholic but I’ve heard about the cover ups. I understood they cleaned house of the pedos over the past several years. Is that not true?
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u/Monkeys_Funkl 19h ago
The Catholic Church owned most of the world at one point in history. Larger group equals larger number of turds. Probably still about equal in percentage.
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u/feedorc 12h ago edited 12h ago
Well neither of us know for sure because neither of us have counted. But you might check out the books by Anna Salter. She did therapy with child rape victims and also worked with the rapists themselves. She reports that rapists deliberately seek power in churches (as well as a couple other places, sports teams being the one that comes to mind right now) because it’s just easier to rape children if you have power in a church. If what the rapists report about their own strategies is true, then you would expect a higher proportion of child rapists in churches. This seems right to me based on the number of victims who have come forward, but as I said, I guess I don’t know for sure. But you have said nothing of substance to make me doubt myself on this one.
Edit: the books by Anna Salter are outstanding, but heartbreaking. I recommend them. But Proceed with caution because the content can be overwhelming. Take good care of yourself and seek support if you need it 🧡
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u/ArcticFox418 20h ago
bad people exist in every group, sure, but i think there's a difference between saying every catholic or republican is a pedo and criticizing institutions or leaders who protect them. OP's family is already bringing politics into it, so i get why they're frustrated. still, if the goal is to shut down the comments, this kinda attack will probably just turn into a bigger argument lol
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u/Southern_Conflict_11 14h ago
Bs. If that group is actively protecting and promoting them. The group is the problem
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u/Electrical-Berry4916 6h ago
That is an interesting take, but it looses any sort of validity as soon as we look at how those groups deal with allegations.
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u/purpleplazas 23h ago
When the concentration of pedos is so thick in a specific group, that it has a history and reputation for protecting them, yeah, that's a bad thing.
Knowing facts and being educated about these issues isnt ignorance. I'm not sure you know what that word means, but go off.
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u/CockroachVarious2761 22h ago
Ignorance meaning you lack knowledge - again I stand by my statement - you can make the same claims about democrats, about whites, blacks, hispanics, etc and they'd all be correct; so picking one group over the ones you align with is demonstrating your own ignorance of the groups you align with vs the ones you choose to call out.
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u/RawMeatballz 13h ago
You’re just sounding ignorant making claims like that. You could pick any group and find the same numbers of any charges you can dream of
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u/slitteral1 3h ago
Maybe you should do some research on Jeffery Epstein. He was neither religious nor a Republican. But he had a lot of friends that were in every group you could think of.
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u/Premodonna 22h ago
Those groups are referred to as Guardians Of Pedophiles. Ask your family how is it they are comfortable with supporting such creeps in office? Not WIBTA.
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u/Wilson0299 23h ago
Are we talking about the Catholic church?
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u/purpleplazas 22h ago
Yes. Both on a larger scale, and the actual church they attend in their town.
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u/Wilson0299 22h ago
No, it's not a step too far. Pointing out facts isn't too far, but take it from me someone who's been down this road, it won't make a lick of difference. You'll still be you vs them. It's a no win.
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u/Great_Bake7107 6h ago
The fact is at least from the day we have the Catholic church doesn't have a "mass concentration' roughly 4% (John Jay)is the estimate which is actually less then teachers which sit about 5% to 7% and is constant with the male population estimat of 3-5%. (NIH)
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u/Safe_Artist_1756 19h ago
Or, hear me out, it could be the Catholic church is facing a financial crisis because of settlements to so many victims is breaking some dioceses.
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u/mysterious2125 23h ago
Yes, it is. You want to fight back but no matter what you say, they will only feel more confirmed and more justified in their opinions. And presenting them with opposing facts, even if done more gently, is useless.
You can try asking them questions to draw out details of why they think that, change the topic ("that reminds me of ..."), or find other strategies to lower the temperature. Also, try to let go of your anger; they have their own problems.
You can also skip the trip, you're an adult now, right? No travel hassles or expense involved! You could find something nice to do with people you're more compatible with, maybe but not necessarily on the exact holidays (volunteering is a thing in my city) or just have a happy time at home by yourself.
Hope you have happier holidays this year than in the past.
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u/empire_of_laughs 22h ago
Maybe just say that you are getting frustrated with the constant bringing up of politics. You have always kept quiet to keep the peace but at this point you feel disrespected. That if it continues you wont bite your tounge anymore. I've lost a family member to politics, its not great.
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u/IvyMarine1908 22h ago
Just also include your non-religious Democrat pedos and you will be fine. Or...you could be normal and stop letting other folks' political affiliations infiltrate every aspect of your life. 🤷🏾
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u/SeriousRequirement14 23h ago
Well you wouldn't be lying! This is a nasty disgusting world that does terrible things to children
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u/desertboots 23h ago
NTA because you are walking in Jesus' footsteps to fight hypocrisy.
Only stir up the flames of battle if you go in armored. So, m ay I introduce you to
John Fugelsang. Author of
Separation of Church and Hate A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds
Publisher intro: "In the spirit of George Carlin and Christopher Hitchens, the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother delivers a deeply irreverent and biblically correct takedown of far-right Christian hatred—a book for believers, atheists, agnostics, and anyone who'll ever have to deal with a Christian nationalist."
Will be releasing at Easter next spring:
Fake Christians: A Biblically Correct Guide to Breaking the Grip of Holy Hypocrites, Gospel Grifters, and Theocratic Thugs
Bio:
John Fugelsang is the New York Times bestselling author of Separation of Church and Hate. He's a Drama League–nominated actor, comedian, and broadcaster who's hosted many TV shows and podcasts, including the acclaimed Tell Me Everything series on SiriusXM Progress. He's gotten George Harrison to give his final performance on VH1, debated Jerry Falwell and David Duke, and made many appearances on MSNBC, FOX News, and CNN. He has been murdered on CSI and picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church. His epic PBS road trip film on the American Dream, Dream On, directed by Roger Weisberg, was named Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film Festival. Fugelsang lives in New York City with his family. His new book is Fake Christians.
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u/Annual_Government_80 22h ago
But that pope doesn’t like Trump whatsoever. If you want to keep the peace if somebody start something like that, get up from the table walk out of the room and let them deal with what they just caused.
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u/No_Count_5949 22h ago
They will just take that as you being ridiculous or offensive and concentrate on the offensive language instead of the content. “ can you believe he said those things at a family meal”… type of thing. I’d stick to economic facts, it’s not offensive and all of us are getting crushed so no denying it.
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u/Bettysgir 22h ago
Give each family member a copy of the movie “Spotlight” for their Christmas gift.
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u/Medical-Resolve-4872 22h ago
Well it’s bullshit that the Catholic Church tells them to vote maga.
The local churches only weigh in on ballot issues. With advice. NOT on candidates for office.
One does not even have to be a political liberal to NOT vote maga. Or a “cafeteria Catholic”. Which btw, is typically a term used by Catholics who put their politics before their faith.
Source: I am a committed lifelong Catholic who assents to all Church teachings and I have never voted for a MAGA or even maga-adjacent candidate. My faith comes way before my political leanings. And my faith informs my voting.
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u/BryonyVaughn 17h ago
In my county I can direct you to two parishes where the priests are highly politically engaged, preach it from the pulpit, and frame it in terms of faithfulness in voting. One of those churches has a bunch of political signs on their property. Both support candidates who target trans people and complain on the newspaper and TV interviews when people steal their signs.
Other parishes are mixed politically or progressive as in Jesus values (feed the hungry, house the homeless, care for the sick, etc.) Those protests do not endorse candidates from the pulpit.
One of the MAGA priests even spoke to the press about his position in recalling school board members who voted for policies to protect trans students. He didn’t go as far as the Baptist preacher in testifying it would be better if there trans students died young (before dragging others to hell with them) but he says a lot more in rallies (500+ people in a village of under 4,000) he coordinated against the policy. Keep in mind he was also a driving force in the recall election of school board members.
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u/Medical-Resolve-4872 7h ago
Don't direct ME to them. Direct the bishop to them. some political engagement is allowed and totally legal and in line with churches' non-profit status. What is NOT allowed is endorsing or even talking about voting for A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE. If that is happening please contact the bishop.
It sucks that you have to go through that during mass. Sending up some prayers for you. Please pray for those priests and parishes.
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u/No_Bluebird7716 22h ago
Look, they have decided to park their minds at the door of a church. Do you honestly think that deserves respect?
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u/Speedracerfan69 22h ago
The other route you could take is that the pope has taken some strong stances against the orange shitgibbon. Ask how they can be so Catholic and not listen to the head of the Catholic Church.
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u/AquamarinePolyphony 22h ago
As a practicing Catholic and a social conservative, I am offended by the notion that Trump and Jesus are on the same plane. That is laughable. That man is narcissistic and unhinged. Being religious, and Catholic specifically has nothing to do with being MAGA. The biggest issue people get caught up on is ab_rti_n, and that is a real touchy one, but there is so much more to being religious or being Catholic than that. There are tons of problems in the Church, specifically with hierarchy being sinful and hypocritical. Then again, Jesus Himself warned about that, and told people to be on their guard against such leaders. It's just the human condition, and while being Catholic, or Christian in general, is supposed to guide a person towards holiness, people fall all over the place on the scale of where they are at on their journey towards God... some much farther than others. So would a stab at the universal Church be fair? Only if one can differentiate between the mystical (and suffering) true Body of Christ, and the imperfect, battered human side of the institution, with the specific hypocritical leaders as the target rather than the Church as a whole. In other words, there are leaders who definitely shouldn't be, and using the faith to indiscriminately justify every action of a political leader is so backwards. Is your family's entire congregation like that? I don't know, and I sure hope not. But believe me when I say that not every Catholic is like that, especially if you look at the Catholic Church outside the United States.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Ad3024 22h ago
How a bout telling them.political talk should not be allowed at family get-togethers. And change the subject to sports or something.
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u/Laolao98 22h ago
I’d ask that since your views and opinions on politics and religion are so very different that those topics not be discussed. Won’t happen but you’ll have made the attempt so expressing your opinions after that is fair game. You could also stay silent and refuse to engage. I don’t think I could but maybe you can manage that. You could have some of tfg’s idiotic speeches and comments queued up on your phone along with news reports of priests being moved from parish to parish or arrested after engaging in pedophilia ready to play at max volume.
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u/NoForm5443 21h ago
Do you think that will bring any benefit to anybody?
One thing that may be slightly beneficial would be to share the Pope's thoughts
"Someone who says I'm against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life," Pope Leo said. "And someone who says I'm against abortion but I'm in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don't know if that's pro-life."
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u/Physical_Eye_9143 21h ago
No, but I don't think itll be the jibe you mean it to be. They are aware of the pedos. They are still in those groups. It certainly won't shut anything down. You aren't going to change their minds. If there is no way to avoid these conversations and they just keep ragging on you for your different opinions, then you should tell them that you'd rather focus on things you all have in common and dont want to participate in these debates anymore. If they cant do that, you may have to stay away from the next family function.
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u/DarkHorseAsh111 21h ago
YWBTA for turning a family holiday into a discussion about pedophilia.
Ignore them. They're being a jackass. be the bigger person.
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u/Striking-Estate-4800 20h ago
YWBTAH
It’s not going to change anything. The ones who need to hear won’t listen. And you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Don’t participate in the shit stirring. If you don’t think you can avoid it, come down with something.
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u/CAguy350 20h ago
You can always try to guide the conversation to non-political/religious topics. But, this is your family and I'm sure you know them best. There is no harm in fabricating a white lie and saying you've made other plans for the holidays if you think you won't be able to stand spending time with them.
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u/duncanidaho61 20h ago
You say they are devout catholics, and also maga republicans. I’m pretty sure they must ignore anything Pope Leo says. Idk how their church can go opposite of the pope, who is quite outspoken about social issues.
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u/shooterclay 20h ago
No offense but pedos aren’t a factor of any particular political party. They appear to be in both, just older white guys with no soul. I do think the left media does a better job calling out republicans than vice versa, but don’t kid yourself thinking it’s a republican thing. These sick f*cks are everywhere.
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u/Miserable_Hat9321 20h ago
It will not help win an argument or segue away from one. You could ask what the American pope says about the MAGA policies, and if you want to go down that road, do some Google searches to make sure you know what the pope says. Personally, I would be interested in how far they take their disagreement with/disavowal of the God’s Representative on Earth. But you could excuse yourself when the topics turn that way, you already know how it is going to end. People who study conspiracy theories say as soon as you see that someone is fully invested in some totally irrational notion, disengage because nothing useful will come out of it ànd making their arguments only deepens their commitment to it ànd frustrates the hell out of you. So before you go over, have an exit strategy. Put your phone on vibrate and at any point say, there’s my phone, gotta take this call. Leave the room or the house until you are ready to go back in. Or accept fewer family invitations and leave before too much alcohol passes lips. I can’t believe I am writing this, but you’ve got to do something if they’re not abiding by the laws of civilized warfare: pull out your phone and start scrolling through your messages, no matter how old they are. If somebody calls you on it, say excuse me and leave the table. Or scrolls through the sports feed and shout out the score of a football, basketball, or hockey game in progress. Really what could possibly be more important? Find ways to disengage yourself. Hang out with the kids. Sit at the kids’ table. I always liked dining with my nieces and nephews because they were more interesting.
MAGA is a tribal phenomenon neither its own symbols, rituals, and orthodoxy. If your family is one of the MAGA tribe’s clans, then family gatherings are tribal gatherings with the purpose of reinforcing the tribal narrative. You can stop being a prop that helps them raise it to a fever pitch. I think a pro forma appearance, refusal to be baited, and early exit are your best shot. Personally, I would rather go to a theater alone and watch virtually any movie than go through that, and I am picky about movies. See if some of your friends would like an exit from their fire pit ànd make plans ànd if any of your family know any of the friends, say, “I gotta meet up with X, Y, and Z. Thanks, it’s been great.”
And think of it like this: At least you have a reason to believe your family is stupid. Lots of people know theirs is, but it is hard to identify when everybody is stupid in their own ways.
If you are in for the sport of it, do your research —
On the best defense is a good offense principle, seize the initiative: “How’s Pope Leo doing?” “I gotta confess, mI was really psyched when they elected an American Pope.” What was it about that bishop he defrocked?”
And then, “ai read about” some statement from Leo, what about this or that action. Did you see where xxx diocese is having to pay out Xxx hundred million dollars to victims of pedophile priests? They’re having to close down some parishes. I was shocked to see what priests did to so many boys and girls. I never saw any of it at our parish. (Or alternately, some boys noticed when priests were handsy or showed favoritism to some boys who were not very happy.
Have a great season of love and light.
But the Boston Diocese paid out Cxx million, the LA diocese paid out Xxx mil. (And on down the list)
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u/MullberryBoy 20h ago
You could tell them that you all just have to agree to disagree and leave the room if they start trying to talk about politics.
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u/Small-Teabigc2053 19h ago
I think you need more than just the pedo argument that's like a jab to the eye where's low blow follow up , its not enough to hurt feelings you must watch the light leave the eyes, when the dust settles and everyone is good and moody hit them with Jesus forgive and but we're family
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u/craftycat1135 19h ago
Delve into any group, you're going to find corruption, scandals and bad people. Your political group is no different. You're being an ignorant hypocrite who needs to research their own political group before throwing stones and then finding out you live in a glass house. You're finding scandal in their beliefs because you are looking for it, rather than examining who and what you're supporting. You want to talk about pedos, how come you're talking about church and not the Scouts of America organization? Republicans? You'll find shady dealing there too but you're not looking for it because of bias.
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u/ihate_snowandwinter 19h ago
Make your decisions on what kind of relationship you want to maintain with them. The wiser thing is to just skip the event all together. You're sick, your going on a trip with a close friend this year, or you have a work project that has to get done, etc. Your family will pressure you to be there, but dang it, you just can't. If you go scorched earth, be prepared for the fallout. You can't unburn bridges. Sometimes you make a bigger statement with not attending and silence.
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u/JayPlenty24 18h ago
Hmmm maybe stick to telling them that JD Vance definitely killed the last pope, probably with a demonic curse, and also talk a lot about all the things the current pope disagrees with republicans on.
I seriously doubt they care about the pedophile thing if they're still practicing Catholics.
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u/Z4-Driver 17h ago
They are republican and possibly MAGA because of freedom and how they don't want anyone to dictate what they're doing.
But then, they do what their church tells them to do and they oblige? Hypocrisy much?
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u/thankyoufriendx3 17h ago edited 16h ago
Jen Hamilton reading Matthew should help more.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKVrukwub7O
Edit: better link
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u/AmbassadorProper1045 15h ago
YWBTA and are deluded af if you think there aren't a staggering amount of Pedos in the Democratic camp. This kind of toxic political soap box bullshit is exhausting. Can't you talk about anything else? If someone makes a " jab" at you firmly tell them you don't want to discuss it and move on ffs. I think you enjoy confrontation. Exhausting.
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u/bdanred 14h ago
Your best course of action is to focus on respect and your own boundaries. "I dont like when you insult me. You are my family and I love you guys but I dont feel welcome when im talked to this way." Something along those lines. You are not going to change their mind when it comes to politics or what they believe. Your best bet is changing how they communicate to you.
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u/Efficient-Parsnip305 13h ago edited 13h ago
Here's a thought. You can be a part of either party, and it's not a crime. I don't think politics determines what a person is or is not. It's a small part of the whole "you". I'm republican and my sisters are democratic. I also am against pedophiles, murders and people that protect them. But so are my sisters. Our one rule always, is we don't discuss politics or voting. It's a secret ballot for a reason and just because my card says republican, I can vote the other way and vice versa. It's my own decision and I don't allow a family member or community to define my right to vote for my selected candidates. Don't fall into that rabbit hole.
One more point to add, if your finger pointing groups, it's been said since day 1 that democrats were always the wealthiest party and started the KKK, because they needed to clean house. Again, it doesn't define the party but the individual!
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u/ADHDoingmybest09 13h ago
I’ve been down this road before, and I would completely understand if you said that and you wouldn’t be the as a home for saying because it’s not ok for the whole family to gang up on you like that. However, I think a better strategy would be to set a boundary and tell them you don’t wish to discuss politics with them and that it’s not ok to make jabs t you. I understand that this is easier said than done and in many families would cause additional conflict, but to me it’s a starting point from which you can begin to navigate this issue moving forward.
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u/JumpyExcitement6823 12h ago
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. – Edmund Burke
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u/Pale-Way-8731 12h ago
When my family starts in on me, I simply respond, “Covfefe.” Trust me. They know as much as we do and don’t care. It’s party over country with them. Don’t ruin your holiday.
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u/brokebutuseful 12h ago
Trust me when I say they don't want you there any more than you wanna be there
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u/EveningFragrant5107 12h ago edited 11h ago
Understandable. For decades I endured holidays with my ex’s family — Southern Baptist, but cut from the same cloth as your family. I tried replying with facts, sarcasm, even amused silence.
By accident, I stumbled upon the best response. Change the subject. Ask the family members about something that interests them (aside from religion and politics).
One BIL was a huge sports fan. The other was a “self made man” (bought shit at flea markets to sell on EBay) and loved to talk about his latest finds and how to determine authenticity. SIL was a nurse who told stories about entitled patients and idiot doctors. The parents could talk for hours about dead family members.
Believe it or not, I learned quite a bit just listening to them talk about their passions (other than blaming “lib-ruls” for everything).
It made holidays among the in-laws almost bearable. That and generous amounts of Amaretto in my coffee. 😉
Don’t be the asshole. And don’t let them.
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u/butpretzelday 10h ago
I don’t invite these conversations, in fact I hate them because I am the odd one out.
So any time someone brings republicans talking points up I usually just say “Oop looks like somebody hasn’t read the Epstein files”.
They usually say the typical “Trump helped take down Epstein”! And I said “yeah you REALLY didn’t read those files”.
I don’t try to educate them, I just point out that the Epstein files are so readily available and urge them to read them.
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u/lizzyote 10h ago
The majority of us states don't require religious leaders to report crimes they learn about during confession. This includes crimes against children. They are legally allowed to protect criminals.
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u/Emanresu11852 10h ago
Here's a thought: don't go. Stay home and enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday.
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u/SourLemons2 9h ago
I’m sorry for your difficulties. I suggest you start your own traditions and stop attending their holidays.
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u/mxmissile 9h ago
meanwhile, the pride community is allowing the pedo community to fly the pride colors.... cause alt-sex. Yup a republican thing...
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u/toxiclight 9h ago
I mean, YWNBTA for telling them, but don't expect them to actually believe it. The cognitive dissonance is strong with the pedo supporters.
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u/FreudWouldApprove 8h ago
Don't waste your breath on worthless, brain washed people like them. Find your people and create your own family to spend the holidays with. You don't have to keep associating with family.
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u/CommonEcho5824 8h ago
You'd be the asshole for sure only because you feel the need to stoop to the level of getting back at them. There is no reason to engage with it at all.
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u/Aria1031 7h ago
There are shitty people in any group you look at. Pedophiles, narcissists, abusers of every shade. So you're not wrong in pointing it out, but it is a little narrow. Just interesting that the party that has the most obvious crappy people in power are relying so heavily on religion, which they flaunt at every turn. Something about hypocrisy, perhaps??
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u/Inner-Bet-1935 5h ago
That won't do you any good. It's obvious Republicans absolutely love and fawn over Republican pedophiles. It's the Republican way!
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u/xtricks2025 5h ago
Might want to take a look at what the new Arch Bishop and Pope say about MAGA related beliefs and let your family know that the Church isn't behind that guy and his facist bullshit.
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u/jmsst1996 5h ago
My MIL one year started to talk about Trump at Thanksgiving and my SIL calmly said, “mom I love you but this isn’t the time or place to have a discussion like this because we all don’t agree”. And it worked.
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u/PestilentPaladin 5h ago
Not an asshole, but I don't think it'll make your day any better. I'd just set a limit that you're not interested in talking politics and will not tolerate any jabs. If they jab, fuckin' leave. I don't know why so many people tolerate family that treats them like shit.
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u/afweatherman 4h ago
Says someone from the party that thinks it's okay for men to go into girls restrooms/changing rooms, let children attend drag shows, and did you see the way Biden was around young girls? Nice try though.
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u/Alarming_Bar7107 3h ago
It would be mean, but I think the real question you're asking is, "would it be worth it"
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u/Impossible_Ad_5073 2h ago
Sounds like the church needs to be taxed. Also the pope is not a fan of Trump.
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u/Stormy8888 2h ago
YWNBTA.
If they start something, you should have no problem finishing it.
Maybe your relatives aren't aware of the Catholic Church Pedophile Sex Scandal, the one from the movie Spotlight. It was decades and decades of pedophile priest raping the Catholic children they're supposed to be protecting. And having all levels of the church all the way up to the Vatican and Pope, covering it up. Telling the kids they'll go to hell. Telling the parents they'll be excommunicated.
Let's just say, the minute the story came out, many victims started to speak their truth.
After a few cases, the Catholic diocese in my area declared bankruptcy, because "who knew there were so many victims," and they couldn't afford to pay out the numerous victims.
This wasn't small. It wasn't isolated. It is a global thing the Catholic priests do. That their church sanctioned by moving the priests around and doing everything they could to cover it up with the police and lawyers and even their own congregations. The Pope should be loudly apologizing to the thousands of child victims of Catholic Pedophile priests all over the world, and we all know the Vatican has a ton of money and could pay damages to all the children sexually assaulted by their priests then covered up for decades.
But they won't do it because they're bad people from a bad religion that prioritizes their image while doing evil things that they would say "other" people should go to hell for.
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u/Houseleek1 2h ago
With this pope creating change I wonder if your parents aren’t confused. The Catholic Church gave strict instructions to congregations about being anti-abortion and to vote GOP in the 1990s, which is against the requirements for CT m any church. The became more persistent and demonstrative as time went on and the pre-MAGA movement called Tea Party advanced the agenda of using priests and ministers to push the Christian Nationalist agenda.
I thought that the Catholic Churches were cooling their Jets about dictating beliefs based on political movements. Your parents may need to pay more attention to what is not being preached in church since the danger of losing is democracy is so strong.
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u/According-Couple2744 2h ago
There are pedophiles in every country, political group, and in every region. Some religions allow 60 year-old men to marry 9 year-old girls, after the little girls were sexually mutilated, because after all no one would want a 9 year-old to enjoy sex.
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u/ChickenLittle2216 54m ago
You moron the libs have tons of pedos too. You are reaching way too much
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u/rebeccaparker2000 22h ago
YTA, thinking that catholics and trump supporters are the only ones into that sick kiddo stuff. Just shows how gullible you are.
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u/purpleplazas 22h ago
Show me where I said they were the only ones. I'll wait.
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u/Significant-Dog1026 22h ago
So are you going to tell them about the democrats that got caught. Or just the groups you dislike.
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u/magicmavenhart 23h ago
No, YWNBTA but it’s not going to go over well and they likely won’t believe you. But I understand the temptation and you’re not factually wrong either about the pedos.
However I think the current and the most recent pope are actually much better than their predecessors, and have made comments and statements that seem anti-Trump. I don’t think the Catholic Church is pushing anyone to vote for Trump anymore. Certain parishes might have a problem, but I don’t think that church itself is on that train anymore.
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u/Low-Television-7508 22h ago
nope, stating facts is not going too far. you could save yourself time and money and not go home for the holidays.
tell your family you're volunteering at a home for unwed Trans mothers who are secret Republicans.
NTA
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u/MuchDevelopment7084 22h ago
Why would it be too far? They are using it themselves. Once it's in the mix. It's in the mix.
Personally, I'd start throwing bible quote at them.
I'm sure they've got some standard stuff they use against you.
Look up bible quotes that relate to that subject.
Because you and I both known. That jesus would be on the opposite side of whatever argument they use.
Anti-immigant. Anti-healthcare, Anti-poor. Mathew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Former catholic here. I do this whenever religious folk 'claim' the bible teaches their hateful nonsense. Have fun with it. I do.
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u/Character-Tennis-241 22h ago
I'm a Christian living in an extremely red State, much to my heartbreak. I remember when my State was very blue. I have MAGA cousins and very close relatives. The best things you can say is, "I'll remember you in my prayers. Right along with all of the starving children." Or "Awe, another one for my prayer list." I heard that your not religious. Praying and religion don't always go hand in hand.
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u/Millicent1923 22h ago
Who cares if you’re the AH, it’s everywhere men are. The question is will you have fun breaking down their world order so it doesn’t spread? I would, do it!
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u/Millicent1923 22h ago
If they respected your different opinions and didn’t try to go after you every visit, I would say something different.
But since they’re not tell them all about the Catholic Church protecting the Rapist of little girls and boys.
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u/bounceanounce 22h ago
Religion is a tricky topic and 'the path to hell is paved with good intentions." As someone who survived exactly that: My approach would come from a more biblical standpoint. I'd remind them of how Jesus raged at the temple. The only time he got angry af. I'd quote „Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s“
Stuff like that. And again, as someone who suffered through this and kept telling people for all my life: no greater cognitive dissonance than when it comes to the topic of child trafficking. Good riddance, don't get your hopes up however.
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u/Crafty-Isopod45 22h ago
Ironically the Pope is a pretty vocal critic of MAGA. He has openly spoken about how they actively fight not to help the poor, the hungry, and the strangers (immigrants) which, and I think he may qualify as an expert here, he has mentioned that Jesus clearly said people should do.
They might be shitty Catholics.
You’re not wrong on the long history of protecting pedophiles.